Colosseum vs Big Ben

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The Colosseum ( KOL-?-SEE-?m), also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium; Italian: Anfiteatro Flavio [a?fite?a?tro ?fla?vjo] or Colosseo [kolos?s??o]), is an oval amphitheatre in the middle of the city of Rome, Italy. Constructed of travertine limestone, tuff (volcanic rock), and brick-faced concrete, it was the largest amphitheatre ever constructed at the time and held 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. The Colosseum is just east of the Roman Forum. Construction started under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and was completed in AD 80 beneath his successor and heir, Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81--96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin because of its association with their family name (Flavius). The Colosseum could hold an estimated 50,000 to 80,000 spectators at various points of its history over the centuries, having a typical audience of some 65,000; it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as mock sea battles (for only a short time as the hypogeum was soon filled in with mechanisms to support the other activities), animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on mythology.

The building ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval age. It was later reused for such functions as housing, workshops, quarters for a religious order, a fortress, a quarry, and a Christian shrine.Although substantially destroyed because of earthquakes and stone-robbers, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome and is recorded among the New7Wonders of the World. It's one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions and also has connections to the Roman Catholic Church, as each Good Friday the Pope leads a torchlit'Way of the Cross' procession that starts in the region around the Colosseum.The Colosseum is also portrayed on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin.

Source: Wikipedia

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Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock in the north end of the Palace of Westminster in London; the name is often extended to refer to both the clock and the clock tower. The official name of this tower in which Big Ben is located was originally the Clock Tower; it was renamed Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II, Queen of the uk. The tower was designed by Augustus Pugin at a neo-Gothic style. When completed in 1859, its clock was the largest and most accurate four-faced striking and chiming clock on the planet. The tower stands 315 ft (96 m) tall, and the climb from ground level to the belfry is 334 steps. Its foundation is square, measuring 39 ft (12 m) on each side. Dials of the clock are 23 feet (7.0 m) in diameter. On 31 May 2009, celebrations were held to mark the tower's 150th anniversary.Big Ben is the biggest of the tower's five bells and weighs 13.5 long tons (13.7 tonnes; 15.1 short tons). It was the biggest bell in the United Kingdom for 23 years. The origin of this bell's nickname is open to question; it might be named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its own installation, or heavyweight boxing champion Benjamin Caunt. Four quarter bells chime at 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour and just before Big Ben tolls on the hour. The clock uses its first Victorian mechanics, but an electric motor can be applied as a backup. The tower is a British cultural icon recognised all over the world. It is among the most prominent symbols of the uk and parliamentary democracy, and it is often used in the establishing shot of films set in London. The clock tower has been a part of a Grade I listed building since 1970 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. On 21 August 2017, a four-year schedule of renovation works began on the tower, which are to include the addition of a lift. In addition, there are plans to re-glaze and repaint the clock dials. With a few exceptions, such as New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday, the bells should be silent until the work is completed in 2021.

Source: Wikipedia